Turkey, Spinach & Cheese Meatballs Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with a meal that’s wholesome, juicy, and bursting with flavor: Turkey, Spinach & Cheese Meatballs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Each bite is tender with seasoned turkey, melty cheese, and bright green flecks of spinach, making them as pleasing to the eyes as they are to the palate. Quick to prep and irresistibly good, these meatballs are primed for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or snacking straight from the pan.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that work together to create fantastic flavor and texture. Every element — from the Turkey to the cheese — plays a role in making your Turkey, Spinach & Cheese Meatballs tender, juicy, and full of irresistible savory goodness.
- Ground turkey: Choose lean ground turkey for a tender, lighter meatball that soaks up all the other flavors beautifully.
- Fresh spinach (finely chopped): Adds a vibrant pop of color and a sneaky bit of nutrition while keeping the meatballs moist.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings gooey, perfectly melted pockets of cheesy delight into every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Gives depth, a salty edge, and that classic Italian flair to your Turkey, Spinach & Cheese Meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs: Bind the meatball mixture and help create a tender, never-dense texture; use gluten-free if desired.
- Large egg: Acts as the glue, ensuring the ingredients hold together beautifully.
- Minced garlic: Adds bold, aromatic notes that keep every bite exciting and savory.
- Dried Italian seasoning: Just a teaspoon brings in notes of oregano, basil, and thyme — classic meatball flavors in a pinch.
- Salt: Enhances all the individual flavors and brings the whole dish to life.
- Black pepper: A gentle kick of spice that makes the flavors pop.
- Olive oil (for baking or pan-frying): Ensures your meatballs emerge with a crisp, golden finish and the right moisture level.
How to Make Turkey, Spinach & Cheese Meatballs
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light brushing of olive oil. This ensures your meatballs don’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze later.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your ground turkey, finely chopped spinach, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together with clean hands or a sturdy spoon, being careful not to overmix. Overworking can make the meatballs dense; just blend until the mixture holds together.
Step 3: Shape the Turkey, Spinach & Cheese Meatballs
Scoop out portions of the mixture, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, and gently roll into balls. A small ice cream scoop works great for even sizes, but your hands do the job just fine. Place the formed meatballs evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Add Olive Oil
Brush or drizzle a little olive oil over the tops of the meatballs. This step ensures a beautiful golden finish and helps lock in all that juicy flavor as they bake.
Step 5: Bake or Pan-Fry
Slip the tray into your preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 18 to 20 minutes, until they’re lightly golden on the outside and cooked through. If you prefer a crispier texture, you can pan-fry the meatballs in a little olive oil over medium heat for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning every couple of minutes until each side is browned and the centers are fully cooked.
Step 6: Serve and Savor
Serve your Turkey, Spinach & Cheese Meatballs hot, nestled in your favorite marinara sauce, perched atop pasta, or simply on their own as a protein-rich snack. The aroma will have everyone running to the table.
How to Serve Turkey, Spinach & Cheese Meatballs
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil, a dusting of extra Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of good olive oil instantly elevates your Turkey, Spinach & Cheese Meatballs. Add chili flakes for a spicy kick or chopped parsley for a garden-fresh note.
Side Dishes
Pile these meatballs on top of spaghetti or zucchini noodles for a hearty meal, or tuck them into warm, toasty rolls for irresistible meatball subs. They’re also fabulous with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Turkey, Spinach & Cheese Meatballs into appetizers by skewering them with cocktail sticks, nestle them in lettuce wraps for a lighter twist, or stack them on slider buns with a little marinara for a party-worthy spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Turkey, Spinach & Cheese Meatballs keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container, where they’ll stay fresh and flavorful until your next craving strikes.
Freezing
These meatballs are perfect for batch cooking! Bake, cool fully in a single layer, then freeze until solid. Move them to a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. Pull out what you need for quick meals — they’ll keep their taste and texture for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To bring your meatballs back to life, warm them gently in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave them in short bursts until heated through. They’ll taste just as delicious as the day you made them, and the cheese will melt all over again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw the spinach first and squeeze out as much moisture as possible to avoid making the meatball mixture too wet. It works like a charm and saves chopping time.
What sauces pair well with Turkey, Spinach & Cheese Meatballs?
Classic marinara is always a winner, but these meatballs also shine with pesto, creamy Alfredo, or even a splash of barbecue sauce for a sweet-savory twist.
Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! Mix and form the meatballs, then place them on a tray, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. They also freeze beautifully, so you can always have a batch ready to go.
How do I make these gluten-free?
Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs in the recipe. Everything else is naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy adjustment that keeps the texture and flavor spot on.
Why are my meatballs dry?
Overbaking or using very lean turkey can sometimes lead to dryness. To avoid this, keep an eye on bake time and consider adding a tablespoon of milk or olive oil to the mixture for extra moisture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magic about making a batch of Turkey, Spinach & Cheese Meatballs — you get fantastic flavor, wholesome ingredients, and a dish that puts a smile on everyone’s face. Give them a try and see how quickly they become a staple in your kitchen. Your tastebuds (and your family) will thank you!
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Turkey, Spinach & Cheese Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 18 meatballs 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Turkey, Spinach & Cheese Meatballs are a delicious and nutritious twist on classic meatballs, packed with flavor from the spinach and cheese. They are easy to make and versatile, perfect for a main course, appetizer, or even a snack.
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup fresh spinach (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for baking or pan-frying)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or olive oil.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine turkey, spinach, cheeses, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Form Meatballs: Shape mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place on the baking sheet. Lightly brush with olive oil.
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden and cooked through. Alternatively, pan-fry for 10-12 minutes.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with marinara sauce, pasta, or as a snack.
Notes
- These meatballs freeze well — bake, cool, and freeze in a single layer, then store in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
